What is safe mode and how to boot in safe mode?

When our
computer systems are not operating to the best of their ability, there’s a
myriad of reasons for this to happen.

Perhaps your computer needs a reboot, or
storage space is limited, limiting the ability of your computer system to
operate at full function.

One of the
easiest ways to fix any problems with your operating system, is to use the
built-in safe mode feature that is used by most modern computer systems today.

What is
Safe Mode?

Safe mode
refers to a couple different modes of a computer operating system. It is
intended to help fix any bugs or problems you might be experiencing with a
computer.

During safe mode, a computer’s operating
system is reduced so that non-core components are disabled.

This enables
a person to isolate problems with the system and attempt to provide a solution.

After
installing a new software application or add drivers for hardware, a computer
system will crash or lock-up.

Even more
frustrating, a computer’s operating system may not boot into normal mode, but
instead will load with a Safe Mode option, and all other operational systems
disabled.

This can be
frustrating for users, but the key is to understand the Safe Mode (Safe Boot
for Mac users) it’s purpose and how you can use it to your advantage.

How Does
Safe Mode Work?

Depending on
the operating system, safe mode will typically load essential executable
modules, while disabling the devices other functions except for display
information and input acceptance.

Any program or installation that will only boot
in safe mode is experiencing a serious problem such as disk corruption or
improperly installed software.

Safe Mode
may also allow an operating system to open a smaller parallel operating
apparatus that doesn’t share any configuration information with the normal
operating system.

Microsoft’s operating system is a classic
example of this, users can choose to boot in Recovery Console, which is a
troubleshooting mode that is separate from all normal operating systems.

In simple
terms, safe mode provides access to diagnostic and utility programs that allows
users to troubleshoot any bugs that are preventing an operating system from
performing the way it should.

What if
Computer Operating Systems Boot in Safe Mode?

With PC
users, sometimes a computer will boot in Safe Mode if Windows fails to boot
properly in its normal state.

In this
event, it’s important for users to first determine what has changed on their
system that could have caused Windows to fail.

Perhaps a
new download, or software application is causing the problem. Essentially any
kind of new hardware will likely be the culprit.

If the problem is hardware, for Windows users, simply go to the Control Panel and remove and uninstall software drivers for any new hardware that is causing issues.

Afterwards
you should attempt to reboot. If Windows starts operating properly after this,
it’s safe to assume that the problem has been correctly resolved.

This same
method is useful for anything new added to your computer, especially games,
applications, and other software.

Even these
simple tricks may not help you with your malfunctioning device. If you can
conclude that the problem isn’t hardware or software, then there’s a good
chance you have a corrupted Registry.

A corrupted
Registry, can’t be fixed in Safe Mode, instead you’ll probably have to
reinstall the entire Windows operating system, in order for your system to
begin operating normally.

How To
Use Safe Mode

Of course
there are ways that users can access Safe Mode. Windows users, particularly
those using versions 8 and 10, can access Safe Mode from the Startup Settings.

This can be
tricky as the Startup Settings in Windows 8 and Windows 10 can only be found in
the Advanced Startup Options menu.

Which means
the computer has to already be operating under normal circumstances before
users are able to boot into Safe Mode.

This can be
frustrating, especially if your system isn’t operating properly to begin with.
In older versions of the operating system, Advanced Boot Options is used to
access Safe Mode.

Users can
also make changes to the System Configuration in order to make Windows start in
Safe Mode.

Using Safe
Mode is similar to using Windows regularly, except that certain parts of the
operating system won’t work or won’t work at the speeds you want them to.

While in
Safe Mode, users can still update drivers, roll back drivers, uninstall
programs, check for malware, and use System Restore.

Variations
of Safe Mode

Three
different Safe Mode options exist, depending on what work you need to
accomplish will determine which options of Safe Mode you’ll need to use.

The first variation
of Safe Mode is the basic Safe Mode. This mode starts Windows with the minimum
amount of drivers and services possible in order to start the operating system.

If you don’t
need access to the internet or any other local networks, this is the option
you’ll most likely choose, especially if you can’t access Windows through
normal means.

The second
variation of Safe Mode is called Safe Mode with Networking. In this option,
Windows begins in Safe Mode with all its attendant drivers and services, except
this time the operating system will have networking capabilities.

Users should
choose this options when you need access to the internet while working in Safe
Mode. For example, if Windows isn’t loading properly, but you know you’ll need
to use the internet in order to download drivers to help fix your problem.

The last
option for Safe Mode is Safe Moe with Command Prompt. Like the last two, this
option loads as the basic Safe Mode, but instead of the user interface being
Explorer, Command Prompt takes it’s place.

This option
is used if you’ve tried to enter Safe Mode but functions such as the taskbar or
Start screen still won’t load properly.

Safe Mode
and Other Devices

Other
devices can be booted using Safe Mode. Smartphones and tablets, both have Safe
Mode options that enable users to troubleshoot problems. Depending on the
phone, users should check their phone’s manual to learn how to use Safe Mode on
their device.

In some instances, users simply press and hold
the menu and volume button until the phone or device restarts. Other devices
might have a similar or an entirely different procedure, but the result is
still the same, booting a device in Safe Mode.

MacOS users
also have Safe Mode/Boot options, similar to Windows or Android systems. For
Mac users, Safe Mode can be reached by holding down the Shift key while holding
the power button and powering on the computer.

Applications,
programs, and browsers also have Safe Mode features. Microsoft Outlook for
example can operate in Safe Mode.

Doing so results in the programs Reading Pane
and extensions being disable so users can better troubleshoot problems.

Browsers
like Firefox allow a safe mode, so users can disable extensions and add-ons in
order to fix any issues they’ve experienced with the program.

How to
Force Safe Mode in Windows

As mentioned
earlier, sometimes getting your computer to operate in Safe Mode in Windows can
be a bit tricky.

Luckily
developers have given users some loop holes to work around this frustrating
blocks in order to get your operating system into Safe Mode.

For Windows 8 and Windows 10 users, forcing
your operating system into Safe Mode is moderately difficult and may take
several minutes, but it’s well worth it, to ensure a capable operating system.

In this location users can access options such
as reset this PC, System Restore, and Command Prompt.

This option
will appear automatically after two startup errors; however, this is not always
the case, and users may need to open this option manually.

In order to
do so, there are several different ways. To choose which way best works for
you, first you need to decide exactly how much access you need to have to your
Window operating system.

Depending on
the level of access you require, you will probably have to perform one or more
of the following functions:

Option 1: Shift/Restart

Perhaps the
easiest way to access Safe Mode from Windows, holding the Shift key while
clicking Restart will bring up the Advanced Startup Options menu.

From here, users should be able to access Safe
Mode and choose which variation of Safe Mode they will need to use.

Option 2: Settings

Another easy
step, in Windows 10 users can simply use the Start button, while Windows 8
users will choose Change PC settings from the open charms bar.

Windows 8
users, will then choose Update and Recovery, locate Advanced Startup which is
located at the bottom of the list of options, and click Restart now.

Option 3: Command Prompt

Using this
option, users will utilize the Shutdown command. In both Windows 8 and 10,
users can use the Command Prompt to execute the shutdown command.

Before doing
this, save any and all open files, failure to do so could mean the loss of work
or any changes you’ve already saved.

When you
open the Command prompt and begin executing the shutdown command, you’ll be
prompted about being signed out.

Close this prompt and wait a few seconds.
After this, a ‘please wait’ message will display and after that, the Advanced
Startup Options menu will open.

Option 4: Use Installation Media to
Boot/Reboot

Sometimes
the best way to fix something, is start right from the beginning. Users who use
this option must have their Windows 10 or Windows 8 DVD or flash drive that
contains all installation files on it.

For those
not in possession of either, borrowing a friends can work, as you’re not
reinstalling Windows, rather attempting to access the Advanced Startup Options.
Therefore, you don’t need a product key.

Use the disk
or flash drive to boot your system. In the Windows Setup screen, click Next.
Then click on Repair Your Computer, which should be located at the bottom of
the window. The Advanced Startup Options should begin immediately after this.

Option 5: Recovery Drive

You can use
your Windows 8 or Windows 10 Recovery drive. If you don’t have a recovery
drive, but have another computer operating the same version of Windows you can
create a recovery drive using a flash drive and downloading the files from that
computer.

Using this
recovery drive, boot your system. An option to choose your keyboard layout will
appear, and you should click on U.S., or whatever layout your keyboard is.
Afterward, Advanced Startup Options should begin.

Option 6: Directly Boot Your Computer
to Advanced Startup Options

For most
technology, the best path is straight. Which means the more straightforward a
solution is, the better.

Users can
directly boot their computer into Advanced Startup Options from the beginning.
First users should start or restart their computer or device.

Next, users
should choose any of these options, System Recovery, Recovery, Advanced
Startup.

Some Windows
systems allow you to access these options from pressing F11.

In fact, many
Windows users will find this option available to them, depending on their
system the format is generally the same.

F11 will
usually begin the System Recovery option for Windows users. The Advanced
Startup Options should begin.

Finals Thoughts

System
failures are a source of real frustration, but they don’t have to be. As long
as users understand their operating system, and how to effectively use Safe
Mode, there should never be problems with troubleshooting.

As
complicated as computers and other devices may be, they are still only machines
that need some guidance from human handlers every once in a while.

Safe Mode is
designed with users in mind. This is a feature that allows users to access the
inner workings of their computers and fix any problems or issues that might
arise without having to consult an IT expert.
Which effectively makes consumers better
computer users, saves time and money, and provides a deeper understanding of
the machines that ultimately run our lives everyday.

As the world continues to evolve to achieve full digitization in all spheres of life, the demand...

About the author

Lamin

Geek Life Activated is my little corner on the web. I'm very passionate about tech, and i aim to use this blog to express that. I currently work as a System Administrator, and i love every second of it. I'm still new at it, so i'm learning something new everyday. I'm pretty open to learning new things, so please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong about anything, and you can contact me anytime you want. I'm a very easy person to talk to. :)